Walk down any skin care aisle and you’ll see it: products split by gender, with sleek, dark packaging and musky scents for men, and pastel bottles promising radiance and anti-aging for women. But is this division actually necessary, or just clever marketing?

The short answer: not really. While there are some biological differences between men’s and women’s skin, dermatologists say those differences don’t usually justify completely separate products. Instead, what your skin really needs depends on your skin type, whether it’s oily, dry, sensitive, or somewhere in between—not your gender.

The Science of Skin: Is There a Difference?

Biologically, men and women do have different skin characteristics. Men’s skin is typically about 20–25% thicker than women’s, with more collagen and larger pores. It also tends to be oilier due to higher sebum production, which can make men more prone to acne but less prone to dryness.

Women, on the other hand, experience more dramatic changes in skin texture and elasticity due to hormonal shifts, especially during menopause. Their skin may become thinner and drier over time.

Do Men and Women Need Different Products?

While skin biology differs, dermatologists agree that skin care should be based on skin type and concerns, not gender. According to Dr. Saxon Smith, a member of the Australasian College of Dermatologists, this has nothing to do with the skin that men (sometimes) don’t want the same aesthetics or scents and everything like that.

In other words, the ingredients that work—like hyaluronic acid for hydration or salicylic acid for acne—work regardless of gender. What matters more is whether your skin is oily, dry, sensitive, or combination.

The Role of Marketing

Many products are marketed differently to appeal to gender norms. Men’s products often feature “rugged” scents and minimalist packaging, while women’s lines may emphasize beauty and anti-aging. But these are just branding choices. In fact, some men may benefit from using products marketed to women, especially if they have drier or more sensitive skin.

What Should Men Look For?

Men who shave regularly may need products that soothe irritation and prevent ingrown hairs. A gentle cleanser, a non-comedogenic moisturizer, and sunscreen are essentials. If you’re dealing with acne, dark spots, or signs of aging, targeted treatments like retinoids or vitamin C serums can be helpful—regardless of the label on the bottle.

Bottom Line

Skincare isn’t about gender. It’s about your skin. Use what works best for you—regardless of the label.

References:

Minimalist. (n.d.). Do men need different skincare products than women? BeMinimalist. https://beminimalist.co/blogs/skin-care/do-men-need-different-skincare-products-than-women

Naughton, J. (2016). Skincare: Men and women’s products really aren’t that different. HuffPost. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/do-men-women-need-different-skin-care-products_l_64b6aebae4b093f07cb126ef

Siriyium, N. (2022). Do men and women need different skincare? Impakter. https://impakter.com/do-men-and-women-need-different-skincare/

Skincare.com. (2023). Men’s vs. women’s skincare products: Is there really a difference? https://www.skincare.com/skin-type/all-skin-types/difference-between-men-and-womens-skin-care-products